[Video] Dustin Lance Black’s staged reading of ‘8’ coming to Atlanta

Uncover the truth about marriage for gay and lesbian Americans in this staged reading of “8” the play. “8” the play demystifies the debate around marriage equality by chronicling the landmark federal trial of California’s Proposition 8. “8? is the real-life story of Kris & Sandy and Paul & Jeff, two loving couples who want to get married but can’t. Together with attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson and a host of expert witnesses, they take aim at Proposition 8, a discriminatory law that took away the right for LGBT couples to marry in California in 2008. “8? is based on the actual words of the Perry trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. “8” shows both sides of the debate in a moving 90-minute play.

Academy-award winner Dustin Lance Black wrote the play and it has played at several venues across the country and world. It was also recorded for YouTube and featured an all-star cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jamie Lee Curtis, Martin Sheen, Chris Colfer and Kevin Bacon. It was directed by Rob Reiner.

Atlanta-based law firm King & Spalding is the presenting sponsor of the play. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students.

“Presentations of the play are coordinated through Broadway Impact and the American Foundation for Equal Rights with proceeds from the production going to support the work of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also be shared between Georgia Equality and the Stonewall Bar Association to advance the issue of marriage locally,” the press release states.

After the play there will be an open discussion that will include state Rep. Simone Bell, Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim, Beth Littrell of Lambda Legal and Georgia Equality Board Chair Kenyatta Mitchell.

The U.S. Supreme Court opens its session on Oct. 15 and is expected to rule on Prop 8 as well as challenges to the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act this year. Buzzfeed reported today that SCOTUS may wait until after the Nov. 6 election to tackle these cases.

Watch the 90-minute YouTube recording of ‘8’ below:

And watch Chris Colfer’s moving performance in the play:

Top photo: Brad Pitt (as judge) and Kevin Bacon in a scene from ‘8’ by Dustin Lance Black. (via YouTube)

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